Interchangeable print and label insertion apparatus for conveyor system

ABSTRACT

Alternate print and label insertion equipment can be interchanged on a conveyor for alternately printing or inserting labels onto an egg carton. The equipment is slidably movable on a mounting plate along an axis perpendicular to the axis of the conveyor. A rotating drive member is secured to the frame portions of the conveyor. The rotating member is alternately connected between operational members on the interchangeable equipment.

United States Patent l l l 3,91 ,036

Reinhart et al. H51 Nov. 11, 1975 i 1 INTERCHANGEABLE PRINT AND LABEL 2.881.938 411 159 Carkhuttet alum. 15o -54 INSERTION APPARATLS FOR CONVEYOR 19M] gpiiilkli llirlw 3M 3. 3 JbN ui:- oz U .312 SYSTEI 3.733.136 5, I973 Youn et al lih Mo [75] Inventors: Fred Reinhart, Costa Mesa; Edwin Li! i h bfllh 0f Clllif Primary EA(IIH/Hcl'-Clllb Weston .ltmruvy. Agwu. or Firm-Nilsson. Robbins. Bissell.

[73} Assi'ner Dolco Packa in Cor oratio k L g g p n Dalgarn 8; Berliner Burbank. Calif.

[22 Filed: Ma 16. 1974 [57] ABSTRACT [2]] Appl- NW 470*694 Alternate print and label insertion equipment ean be interchanged on a com e \or for alternatel printing or [53 s C| H 156/384; HH/BZ inserting labels onto an egg carton. The equipment is [51] H BML 3/12 slidably movable on a mounting plate along an axis |5g1 Field f Search 1 556 perpendicular to the a\is of the con\'e \or. A rotating 15 5 74 53 3 101/231 335 drive member is secured to the frame portions of the conveyor. The rotating member is alternatel con [56] References Cited nected between operational members on the inter UNTED STATES PATENTS changeable equipment.

2.377.522 M945 R \an er al tin/235 7 Claim$- 6 t! Figurlfi US. Patent Nov. 11,1975 Sheet2of2 3,919,036

FIG. 4. g

INTERCHANGEABLE PRINT AND LABEL INSERTION APPARATUS FOR CONVEYOR SYSTEM BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The field of art to which the invention pertains includes the field of conveyor systems, particularly with respect to print and label systems.

In the manufacture of packaging articles such as boxes, printed matter is positioned both on the exterior as well as the interior surface of the box. Alternatively, it may be desirable to print on one side of the box and provide a label or other removable type insert on the opposite surface. As an example, the exterior surface of a conventional egg carton can provide an identification ofthe source or retailer of the eggs and the interior of the carton can contain an advertisement or message. Alternatively, a label insert is provided on the interior surface of the carton which can be in the form of a removable advertisement.

When a conveyor system is used to print advertisements or insert labels in the interior surface of cartons, it has been found economically desirable to alternately mix the printing and inserting operations on the same conveyor. The interior surface of the carton can thus be provided with either a printed advertisement or a label. In switching from one mode of operation to the other, the conveyor system is stopped and the printing equipment is replaced with a label inserter or visa versa. During this period of nonactivity, the entire conveyor system must be shut down and one of the pieces of the equipment removed and the other piece inserted in its place. Alternatively, separate conveyor systems have been set for only printing or only inserting labels onto cartons when sufficient demand exists.

The present invention provides apparatus for rapidly interchanging print and labelling equipment on a conveyor system. Print equipment is slidably interchanged with label insertion so that either equipment can be used on the same conveyor system. A single drive member is used which is common to both pieces of equipment. Each pieceof equipment is positively locked in place and the conveyor system is out of operation for a minimum amount of time.

Particularly. a conveyor system contains apparatus for interchangeably inserting print and label insertion equipment. The conveyor system is used to transport a packaging device along the conveyor axis. The equipment is slidably mounted along an axis perpendicular to the axis of the conveyor. A rotating drive member is secured to a portion of the conveyor frame. The drive member is alternately interconnected between operational members on the interchangeable equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a portion of a conveyor system with interchangeable print and label insertion equipment in a first operational position;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the conveyor system of FIG. 1 wherein the interchangeable equipment is in a second operational position;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view ofa portion of the conveyor system illustrating the equipment of the conveyor system in a position as shown in FIG. 2',

FIG. 4 is a top planar view illustrating the equipment in the position shown in FIG. I;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the equipment taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a portion of the equip ment of FIG. 5 taken along the line 6-6 thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1, a schematic illustration of a conveyor system containing, interchangeably, a label insertion mechanism 12 and an inside lid (inlid) printing unit [4, shown mounted on a slide assembly 16 of a conveyor system 18.

The conveyor system contains a pair of lower ma chine frame members 22 and 24 which extend parallel to the axis of the conveyor system. The conveyor system product flow moves along the direction of the arrow parallel to the lower machine frame members 22 and 24. The slide assembly 16 enables the label insertion machanism 12 or the inlid printing unit 14 to be positioned adjacent the product flow of the conveyor system. In the invention as described, the interior surface of an upper cover of an egg carton 26 (shown in FIG. 3) is provided with either a label from the label insertion mechanism 12, or a message printed by the inlid printing unit 14. In the position shown in FIG. I, the inlid printing unit can print a message on the egg carton. Movement of the inlid printing unit 14 and the label insertion mechansim 12 in a direction transverse to the axis of the conveyor system, i.e., to the position shown in FIG. 2, enables the label insertion mechanism to insert a label in the egg carton 26.

As shown in greater detail in FIG. 3, an open, inverted egg carton 26 is illustrated as being positioned at its outer edges on a pair of support rails 28 and 32, respectively. The egg carton 26 is formed of a lower section 34, which has egg compartments, and an upper cover 36, joined together along a hinge line 38. As illustrated in FIG. 3 the carton is open and inverted. When the slide assembly is in the position shown in FIG. 3, which corresponds to the schematic position shown in FIG. 2, a label can be inserted on the interior surface of the upper cover 36 of the egg carton 26. The inlid printing unit 14 is in a nonoperational position but when the slide assembly has been moved to the position shown in FIG. 1, the printer becomes operational and a message can be printed on the interior surface of the cover 36.

The conveyor system includes a pair of upper frame members 42 and 44 positioned directly above and extending parallel to the lower frame members 22 and 24, respectively. Referring additionally to FIG. 4, a shaft 46 is rotatably mounted between the upper frame members 42 and 44, driven by a motor 48 secured to the outer side surface of the upper frame member 44 and connected to rotate the shaft 46 and a driver gear member 47 secured to the shaft 46. The gear member 47 is mounted in a plane parallel to the axis of the conveyor system. A roller 52, positioned adjacent one side of the gear member 47, performs the dual function of being utilized as either an impression roller for use with the inlid printing unit 14 or a label depositor for use with the label insertion mechanism 12 as will be explained hereinafter.

The roller 52 is formed with a raised ridge portion 54 having a plurality of openings 56 formed therethrough which are exposed and communicate with a vacuum source (not shown) on the interior of the roller 52.

When the label insertion mechanism [2 is coupled to the gear member 47. as depicted in FIG. 2 and 3. the vacuum force enables labels to be held on the raised ridge portion until the egg carton 26 is moved to a predetermined position. Then the vacuum is removed from the raised ridge portion 54 of the roller 52 and the label is transferred to the egg carton. A glue gun dispenser (not shown] is normally used to apply a spot of glue on the surface ofthc carton prior to depositing the label.

In the printing mode of operation. a curved printing plate 55 covers the raised ridge portion 54 and is used to print the message on the interior surface ofthe upper cover of the carton 26.

The label insertion mechanism 12 and the inlid printing unit I4, are mounted on a planar mounting plate 62 and are interchangeably meshed with the gear 47. The mounting plate 62 slides in a plane transverse to the conveyor axis and is secured on its sides to the horizontal legs of a pair of opposed L shaped angle irons 64 and 66. The angle irons 64 and 66 are slidably movable in channel members 68 and 72. respectively, having U- shaped openings 74. A bridging member 75 is secured between the lower frame members 22 and 24 in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the frame members and is used to support an L-shaped mounting bracket 76. The base 77 of the L-shaped mounting bracket 76 is fastened by means of bolts or rivets 78 to the support member 75. and its vertical extention 82 is secured to the back of the channel member 72. A similar arrange ment is utilized to secure the channel member 68 to the lower machine frames 22 and 24. Similarly, the angle iron 64 is slidably movable in the channel member 68.

A first stop member 84 and a second stop member 86 are provided for correctly positioning the label insertion mechanism 12 or the inlid printing unit 14 with respect to the gear member 47. The stop members 84 and 86 are inserted through the planar mounting plate 62 along a plane parallel to the angle iron 66 and are spaced slightly therefrom. The first stop member 84 is positioned near the edge of the mounting plate adjacent the inlid printing unit 14. The second stop member 86 is positioned inwardly from the first stop member 84 intermediate the inlid printing unit I4 and the label insertion mechanism I2.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a first L-shaped locating bracket 88 and a second L-shaped locating bracket 92 are illustrated secured by their vertical arms on opposite sides of the lower frame member 22, respectively. The lower tip of the stop members 84 and 86 are inserted in threaded openings 94 and 96 formed in the horizontal arms of the L-shaped locating brackets 88 and 92. respectively. for correctly positioning the mounting plate 62 as will be explained hereinafter.

The stop 86 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 6 and contains a spring 97 located in a recess 98 in the top surface of the mounting plate 62. A collar 99 is secured to the threaded bottom end 100 of the stop 86 and limits its upward movement. An enlarged head 102 on the stop 86 provides a gripping surface.

When the inlid printing unit 14 is in the operational position shown in FIGS. I and 4, the threaded stop end I is secured in the opening 94 of the first locating bracket 88. When it is desired to utilize the label insertion mechanism 14 so that it is in the position shown in FIG. 2, the stop 84 is released and the base plate 62 is moved in a direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 5, facilitated by a handle I03, shown in FIG. 3. secured to the end of the mounting plate.

A stop plate 104 is positioned at the end of the mounting plate 62 adjacent the label insertion mechanism I2 and the end of the angle iron 66 as shown in FIG. 3. and extends perpendicularly to the plane of the mounting plate 62. As shown in FIG. 4, an arm I06 is positioned in a plane perpendicular to the axis of movement of the mounting plate 62. The arm 106 is fastened by means of a bracket 108 to the support member 75. A threaded bolt 112 extends through the arm 106 along the axis of movement of the mounting plate 62 and is adjustably fastened to the arm I06 by means of a nut I14. The end 116 of the bolt II2 abuts the stop plate 104 when the stop 86 is adjacent the opening 96 of the second locating bracket 92. Thus, the bolt 112 performs the dual function of preventing the mounting plate 62 from being moved off the lower frame as well as aiding in locating the stop 86 in the opening 96.

The label insertion-mechanism and the inlid printing unit are conventional. In operation, the label insertion mechanism (FIG. 3) contains a gear member 122 which meshes with and is driven by the drive gear member 47. A wheel 114 is mounted adjacent the label insertion gear 122, and rotates therewith. A pair of rubber feet 126 are circumferentially mounted on opposite sides of the wheel I24 so that, upon rotation of the wheel 124, the feet 126 each grab a label 128 positioned in a chute 132. As the raised roller ridge portion 54 moves adjacent the label, vacuum attraction causes transfer of a label from one of the feet I26 to the roller 52. when the roller ridge portion 54 is adjacent an egg carton, the vacuum is automatically cut off (by means not shown) and the label transferred to the interior side of the upper cover 36 of the egg carton. As is conventional, electronic devices maintain the egg carton position with respect to the ridge portion 54.

The inlid printing unit 14, when in the operational position of FIG. 4, has a first and second gear I42 and 144 mounted on parallel shafts I46 and 148, respectively. The gears 142 and 144 each mesh with and are driven by the drive gear member 47. A pair of printing rollers 152 and 153 are also mounted on and rotate with the shafts 146 and 148, respectively. Ink is transferred to the roller 152 from an ink pad roller [54. Similarly, a different color ink can be transferred to the roller 153 from a second ink pad roller (not shown).

We claim:

1. Apparatus for interchangeably inserting print and label insertion equipment, in a conveyor type system comprising:

a conveyor system for transporting a package along the conveyor axis;

interchangeable print and label insertion equipment slidably mounted along a second axis perpendicular to said conveyor axis;

a frame member for securing a drive member to said conveyor system, said drive member containing a shaft rotatable therewith;

a support having said slidably interchangeable equipment secured thereto; and

means alternately interconnecting said drive member to said interchangeable equipment, comprising a first gear and a second gear each operatively associated with different interchangeable equipment on said support and engageable with said drive membet.

2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said drive member is mounted on said shaft and rotatable therewith. said shaft has a roller member mounted thereon and rotatable therewith, and a raised ridge is formed on said roller, said raised ridge having openings therein for communicating with a vacuum force for use with said label insertion equipment.

3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein a curved printing plate is mounted on said raised ridge portion for use with said print equipment, said printing plate covering said openings when mounted thereon,

4. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said slidable support is movable between a first locked position and a second locked position, said first and second locked positions corresponding to said coupling of said drive member with said first and second gears. respec tively.

5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein a stop plate is provided on said supportsaid stop plate engaging a fixed member secured to said support when said support is in one of said locked positions,

6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein a springbiased stop is secured to said support and engages a fixed member for locating at least one of said locked positions 7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 6 wherein a second spring-biased stop is secured to said support and is used to locate a second of said locked positions,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT NO. 1 3,919,036

DATED November 11, 1975 INVENTORtS) Fred Reinhart and Edwin C. Bolton It is certrfred that error appears in the above-rdenttfied patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown beiow Column Line 1 40 after "insertion" should be -equipment Signed and Sealed this thirtieth D f March 1976 [SEAL] Arrest: 

1. A APPARATUS FOR INTERCHANGEABLY INTERTING PRINT AND LABEL INSERTION EQUIPMENT, IN A CONVEYOR TYPE SYSTEM COMPRISING: A CONVEYOR SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORTING A PACKAGE ALONG THE CONVEYOR AXIS, INTERCHANGEABLE PRINT AND LABEL INSERTION EQUIPMENT SLIDABLY MOUNTED ALONG A SECOND AXIS PERPENDICULAR TO SAID CONVEYOR AXIS, A FRAME MEMBER FOR SECURING A DRIVE MEMBER TO SAID CONVEYOR SYSTEM, SAID DRIVE MEMBER CONTAINING A SHAFT ROTATABLE THEREWITH,
 2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said drive member is mounted on said shaft and rotatable therewith, said shaft has a roller member mounted thereon and rotatable therewith, and a raised ridge is formed on said roller, said raised ridge having openings therein for communicating with a vacuum force for use with said label insertion equipment.
 3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein a curved printing plate is mounted on said raised ridge portion for use with said print equipment, said printing plate covering said openings when mounted thereon.
 4. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said slidable support is movable between a first locked position and a second locked position, said first and second locked positions corresponding to said coupling of said drive member with said first and second gears, respectively.
 5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein a stop plate is provided on said support, said stop plate engaging a fixed member secured to said support when said support is in one of said locked positions.
 6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein a spring-biased stop is secured to said support and engages a fixed member for locating at least one of said locked positions.
 7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 6 wherein a second spring-biased stop is secured to said support and is used to locate a second of said locked positions. 